Neuro rehabilitation in Somerset for people with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
- Healthwatch Somerset
- Jul 1
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 10
In our latest report, we detail the engagement with ABI survivors and professionals which has revealed gaps in the county's healthcare and rehabilitation pathways for people with an acquired brain injury.
One of the activities of a Local Healthwatch is to make reports and recommendations about how local care services could or ought to be improved.
In 2022 Healthwatch Somerset worked with NHS Somerset ICB to create a series of case studies, to support a business case for change, by interviewing people who had lived experience of an acquired brain injury (ABI) and neurological rehabilitation.
An acquired brain Injury is any damage to the brain that occurs after birth and is not related to a congenital or degenerative condition. It can be the result of a range of causes, including traumatic events such as falls or accidents or medical issues like strokes, infections or oxygen deprivation.
One key area of focus raised in 23/24 was support and care at home and the suggestion was made to us that we should link the two areas together. This gave us the chance to assess the current situation, review reports and projects that have been conducted both locally and nationally. This report builds on previous work and explores the current situation.
Key findings
There is a shortage of neuropsychologists in Somerset.
There are gaps in the provision of appropriate information for ABI patients/families, especially on discharge from hospital.
There is a lack of awareness of ABI in the general population.
There is a lack of data tracking for ABI survivors.
There is a need for standardised outcome measures.
The support provided by Headway Somerset is invaluable.
Read our report
If you need this report in a different format, please email info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk
or call 0800 999 1286
